So I FINALLY got the key to turn in my 240D after a lot of wiggling and finessing.

I followed the service manual instructions and removed the black collar and got my locking cylinder out.

Two Questions:

1. Strangely, with the cylinder out, it is EASY to turn the key in the lock. Does not catch nearly as badly. It seems the inability to rotate the key has to do with some slop in the locking cylinder.

The whole assembly seems very loose. I do not think it is supposed to be like that.

Is it possible though that the key not turning had something to do with something else further down the line in the whole ignition/steering lock assembly?


2. If I am not worried about someone stealing my car, with the lock out, can I just turn the car on with a screwdriver or something now?

I notice when I look down the insides without the lock in there, it looks like there is simply a part that rotates when the key turns the lock. Is it as simple as manually turning it with a screwdriver or other device?

Also, if I were to do that and drive it that way, does that mean the steering lock is disabled?

Thanks

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